Facial disruption as seen when the muzzle is placed beneath the chin

This individual killed himself with a gunshot under the chin creating a massive tissue destruction. Facial disruption can be seen after the muzzle was placed beneath the chin. In this case, the gun was angled somewhat anteriorly, sparing much of the brain. Death would be expected although survival is seen in some exceptional cases. No further info or what type of gun was used.

Fig.1 This victim shot himself under the chin creating a massive tissue destruction.

Head injuries from shotguns and high-powered rifles are typically quite devastating, often with extensive soft tissue destruction, skull fractures, and pulpifaction of the brain. Occasionally, the brain is largely expelled from the cranial vault and may be found near the body. Self-inflicted submental and transoral wounds may produce serious but survivable brain injuries if the path of the bullet is limited to the frontal area.

Fig.2 This graphic shows an under-the-chin suicide.

In the head, neck, and limbs, shotgun exit wounds can be ragged and very large, with extensive tissue damage. In a suicide where the gun has been placed in the mouth, there will be significant disruption of the head, and brain may be expelled, the so-called “burst head” effect.